ELI Webinar Series:
Key Issues for Reform of the Toxic Substances Control Act

Several key issues emerged as pivotal in ongoing efforts to reform the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Progress on these complex issues is central to the success of TSCA reform. To foster further discussion of these critical topics, ELI convened a series of issue-specific lunchtime webinars during the summer and fall of 2011 that provided a forum for focused dialogue among key players.

Please see individual event links below for more information on any session. Links include recordings and any materials presented.

Session#1: Key Perspectives on TSCA Reform -- June 30, 2011
The first panel of the series set the stage for the following issue-specific panels by examining the status of TSCA reform in the larger context of EPA's recent administrative initiatives, state chemicals laws, technological innovations and international chemicals programs such as the European Union's Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH). Panelists also discussed the status of legislative reform efforts.

Session #2: The Standard of Safety -- July 21, 2011
This panel examined the central issue of whether and what standard of safety should replace TSCA's current "unreasonable risk" standard for regulating chemicals. Topics that were addressed include: hazard/exposure/risk criteria; burden of proof; judicial review of agency decisions; sensitive populations; cost-benefit analysis; and application of the safety standard to new materials/technologies.

Session #3: Hazard, Use and Exposure Data -- September 20, 2011
This panel explored reform of TSCA requirements and procedures for developing and reporting data on chemical hazards, use and exposure. Topics included: scope of EPA authority to require information and data, including on new chemicals such as nanomaterials; testing, including mutual acceptance of data and emerging methodologies; and the role of downstream users of chemicals.

Session #4: Chemical Prioritization -- October 4, 2011
This panel discussed TSCA reform issues related to prioritizing chemicals for regulation. The panel reviewed current EPA, state and international initiatives for purposes of assessing the feasibility of various approaches. Topics addressed included: criteria (hazard/exposure/risk) and procedures for identification of chemicals and the scope of regulatory authority to require alternatives and other actions.

Session #5: Information Confidentiality (CBI), Availability and Sharing -- October 26, 2011
This panel discussed a range of TSCA reform issues related to information disclosure and dissemination, including: reform of CBI practices, public access to information/databases, and information sharing down the supply chain.

Session #6: Risk Management -- November 30, 2011
This panel will examine reform of EPA authorities to control the sale, distribution, releases and use of chemicals. Topics to be addressed include: standard of proof; the role of cost/benefit analysis; private firm obligations; approaches to new technologies such as nanotech; and role of downstream users of chemicals.